Spain Suspends Live Cattle Exports to Morocco After Nodular Dermatitis Cases

Marrakech – Spanish authorities have temporarily suspended the export of live cattle to Morocco following the confirmation of lumpy skin disease (nodular dermatitis) outbreaks in Spain. According to El Faro de Ceuta, the decision aims to prevent the spread of the virus and protect both animal health and the interests of the livestock sector.

The restriction applies only to shipments of live animals, while exports of red meat and its derivatives to Morocco continue under standard health regulations. The disease does not pose any risk to humans.

Lumpy skin disease is a viral disease that exclusively affects cattle. Infected animals develop ulcers, skin nodules, and fever, which can cause significant economic losses due to deterioration of the skin and reduced milk production.

The first outbreak in Spain was detected on October 1 in Castelló d’Empúries, Girona, in Catalonia’s Alt Empordà region. The farm had 123 dairy heifers, with three animals showing symptoms. Spanish authorities immediately quarantined the farm and confirmed the virus through laboratory testing.

By October 7, a third outbreak was confirmed in the same region, bringing the total to three affected farms with 655 susceptible cattle and 10 animals showing clinical symptoms.

Spanish authorities are implementing control measures, including the culling of affected animals. The Catalan government announced that vaccination of cattle within a 50-kilometer radius of the outbreaks would begin on October 8, with public and private veterinarians mobilized to accelerate the process.

Since June 2025, 68 cases have been recorded in Italy and 79 in France, reflecting a limited spread of the virus across Europe. Morocco remains free of the disease but has strengthened its border inspections to ensure no infected animals are introduced.

The disease, which is primarily transmitted through biting insects, is widespread in North Africa. It follows a slow, progressive course with a morbidity rate between 5% and 45%, while mortality rarely exceeds 10% of sick animals.

Spanish farming organizations have urged the Ministry of Agriculture to defend the principle of regionalization, which would limit trade restrictions only to affected territories, preventing the closure of markets and exports of cattle products from the entire country.